Sports

Heavy rain, high winds could affect Browns' season opener against Steelers

The remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon are expected to impact Cleveland on Sunday.

Written ByE.Jay Zarett

The Browns' season opener against the Steelers could be affected by heavy rain.

The remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon are expected to impact Cleveland on Sunday, according to WOIO meteorologist Jeff Tanchak.

"The latest data I’m seeing this morning is calling for widespread five plus inches of rain, with locally seven plus inches," Tanchak said Friday ( via Cleveland19.com ). "The heavy rain will start late Saturday night. So that means all day Sunday and Sunday night we are looking at continuous heavy rain. Winds will be gusting up to 40 miles per hour at times.

"I have not seen a worse weather forecast for a Browns game in the almost 16 years I have been (in Cleveland) and that includes snow events. I have no idea how they will be able to play football or how people will be able to sit in that stadium and watch a game."

The Browns said in a statement the game was still on as scheduled.

“Along with NFL headquarters, we closely monitor weather patterns each week to ensure game conditions are safe for the team and fans,” a Browns spokesperson told the station. “Any decision impacting the game’s start or continuation is ultimately made by the league office.”